Shackle:
A friend just put 1" longer shackles on his '94 YJ. Now his leaf springs look parallel to the ground - they aren't "U" shaped anymore, but more straight (as I said - parallel to the ground). Is that normal? Do leafs suffer more stress when shackles are longer? Or are those just his leafs that are gone. I didn't pay much attention on his leafs before, but now it just jumps into your eyes...

Lockers:
Both locked = best, I know, but if locking just one end - which one is better to lock? Front or rear?

longer shackels will not change the stress on a spring. The Jeep weighs the same as it did befoe. However the longer shackel will change the angle of the spring. You probably just noticed the flat spring more now because you are looking at the new shackels.

Lockers are great in both ends. But if you don't have hubs in the front they can cause your Jeep to push through turns. I would say that IMHO the best place for a locker is in the rear.

When longer shackles are added, the end of the spring where the eye is at for the bushing, tends to get more stress. It will bend the spring in the last approximate 6"-8". Done this on two pair of springs that I have owned. I do not recommend longer shackles even though I have and am running them. Beefier yes, longer no. If used, keep the length to a minimum. They also change your steering geometry, making steering more difficult. 1" longer isn't bad but if he doesn't need them, ditch them.

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You probably just noticed the flat spring more now because you are looking at the new shackels

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I guess that means his leafs were down before, I just didn't notice it, right? BTW, do you know how much longer shackles affect approach angle? For an inch of shackles there is 1/2" of lift (that I know). Hows with approach angle for 1", 2" etc. longer shackles? And departure angle, of course?
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But if you don't have hubs in the front

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What are "hubs"?
So, I should go rear, no? That'll make it some kind of "3-wheel-drive", right? Any of 3 wheels will pull it out, except for the front left wheel?

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What are "hubs"?
So, I should go rear, no? That'll make it some kind of "3-wheel-drive", right? Any of 3 wheels will pull it out, except for the front left wheel?

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Olin18 is refering to being able to engage/disengage your front axle. You know before you shift into 4wd you go to your front wheels and turn the knob at the end of the axle. I think your YJ should have automatic hubs, but check out Warn Hubs . If your front wheel has this in the center, then you have manual lockable hubs. If it doesn't you can always convert them to manual.

If you're only going with one locker, I'd say the rear is the place to start. And yes, that'll make both rear wheels turn. You can put a selectable locker in the front (like an air locker) even if you have auto hubs.